Across Nebraska and Into the Wilds of Wyoming!

Nebraska is a pretty place with lots of rolling hills and
cattle. Historical connections to the Old West like wagon
trails, famous cowboys and forts abound - there is even a huge
wooden archway over highway 80 announcing the start of the
Oregon Trail. Even the rest areas are beautiful out here, we
took a walk around one that was like a park.

The weather has been great; it was so sunny and warm we ditched
our coats and sweaters for the day. However, it has been quite
windy most of the way (see picture)

We had some interesting conversations with people. At a gas
station we met a couple going to the same place we are to pick
up the RV. Later, when we pulled into Motel 6 in Cheyenne,
Wyoming for the night, a car with Conn ecticut plates parked
right next to us. Turns out that the guy is from Norwich, 30
miles away from where we started from on the way back. It's a
small world!

The Motel 6 was rather nice, no frills but clean and
comfortable. Aside from the regular horn blasts from passing
freight trains, we had a restful night. At this point, most of
our physical discomfort consists of muscle cramps and soreness
from spending so many hours in the car. We are really looking
forward to being free of the car for awhile!

Our dining experiences have been a little spotty on this trip.
However, we had some good food at Penny's Diner in Kimball,
Nebraska. I was definitely enrolled in the pioneer spirit as I
devoured a "monster buffalo burger." I also had a lot of fun
drawing on the diner wall with the kid in the booth next to us.

Now we are cruising across the mountainous prairie of southern
Wyoming. Lots of photos here; don't know how I will pick just
one to show you tomorrow.

We expect to stop tonight somewhere outside Salt Lake City,
Utah; we have never seen the salt lake there. Tomorrow we make
the final push to California!

Bob Ballard
Project Director
www.heartsoffire.tv